LinkedIn: Re-Engineering the Cold Call

Why:

90% of decision makers say they don’t respond to cold outreach, while conversely 80% of warm introductions generate a sale.

How:

Leverage your network on LinkedIn by identifying the best path for a referral or introduction into a hot prospect. Find the warmest entry path and write introductory messages that can’t be ignored.

For example, say I want to connect with the CMO of Old Navy:

1. Find the Connection:

Go to the LinkedIn search bar and type “Old Navy CMO.”

The profile for the CMO of Old Navy appears and, lucky for me, I’m a 2^nd connection with him—meaning that I have a direct connection with Jamie Tuner and Jamie Turner has a direct connection with the CMO—YES!

LinkedIn Search Tip

2. Get Introduced:

Get introduced by using either the

LinkedIn introduction link
LinkedIn email
InMail (paid)
Regular email (e.g., Gmail)

Linkedin Search Tip

Linkedin Connection Tip

Linkedin Pro Tip

Seem too aggressive? What if the person doesn’t drink? Do your research to craft the best personalized message possible—for example, you may find a picture online (e.g., Facebook, Google Images, Flickr, etc.) of John drinking a beer at a Red Sox game that can give insight beyond what is listed on LinkedIn. The key to good communication lies in prior preparation and research. Still unsure? Play it safe: say coffee soon and display images of coffee.

Linkedin Pro Tip

This type of warm approach works best. Don’t believe me? Let’s go straight to the source itself—LinkedIn’s own sales team. That’s right, they need to sip their own champagne when they are selling their premium services—the LinkedIn management team demands it of the LinkedIn sales team.

Yes, the LinkedIn sales team uses the premium services they sell. What is their #1 source of revenue? Warm introductions. Per the chart below, 32% of LinkedIn revenue comes from warm leads. Moreover, warm leads have a 23% higher average deal size and are 37% more likely to close than other lead sources.